Audit Protocol

The FS05™ Rating System

A thoughtful, 100-point evaluation designed for your peace of mind. We measure five key details and score each sofa based on its true value. We test every single piece in person, so you know exactly what you’re getting.

I. The Baselines

A $900 sofa serves a different purpose than a $9,000 one. We evaluate every piece based on the quality you deserve for the price. When a sofa delivers exceptional materials, it earns top marks. It’s that simple.

Budget

Ref: IKEA Uppland < $1,500
  • Frame: Engineered wood
  • Support: Sinuous wire
  • Fill: 1.5 lb foam
  • Fabric: 20k double rubs

Basic

Ref: West Elm Haven $1.5k – $3k
  • Frame: Hardwood / ply mix
  • Support: Sinuous steel
  • Fill: 1.8 lb wrapped foam
  • Fabric: 40k double rubs

Standard

Ref: Room & Board $3k – $6k
  • Frame: Kiln-dried hardwood
  • Support: 8-way hand-tied
  • Fill: 2.0 lb HR foam
  • Fabric: 75k double rubs

Premium

Ref: RH Belgian $6k – $12k
  • Frame: Solid hardwood
  • Support: 8-way on jute
  • Fill: 2.5 lb HR or down-wrap
  • Fabric: 100k double rubs

Luxury

Ref: George Smith > $12k
  • Frame: Kiln-dried ash/maple
  • Support: Hand-inspected 8-way
  • Fill: 2.8 lb HR / horsehair
  • Fabric: Trade grade

II. The Guidelines

1. Designed for real life

Beautiful, standard fabrics are great. But premium performance fabrics (like Crypton® and Sunbrella®) or truly washable slipcovers earn our highest scores, because they let you live comfortably without worry.

2. Smart solutions win

If a sofa takes an innovative approach to everyday problems—like a lighter fabric that you can easily wash at home—we reward that thoughtful design with full points.

3. Rewarding exceptional value

When an affordable sofa surprises us with premium, high-resilience foam, we celebrate it. We always give extra credit to furniture that offers more than you paid for.

III. Example Review

Grade Scale: MCD Approved™ (95+) • A (90+) • B (80+) • C (70+) • D (60+) • F (<60)

IKEA Uppland Price: $799 • Tier: Budget
Final Grade: A (90)
1. Frame — 20 / 20 (Excellent) Spec: Solid wood, plywood, fiberboard. Thoughtfully reinforced with solid wood where it matters most, offering incredible strength for under $1,000.
2. Support — 20 / 20 (Excellent) Spec: Steel pocket springs. Individual pocket springs adapt to your body, distributing weight beautifully for long-lasting comfort.
3. Fill — 20 / 20 (Excellent) Spec: 2.2 lb/cu.ft high-resilience cold foam. A luxurious 2.2 lb high-resilience foam brings premium comfort to an incredibly accessible frame.
4. Fabric — 15 / 20 (Great) Spec: 100% poly with removable cover. A fully machine-washable cover provides an elegant, effortless way to keep your sofa looking new.
5. Value — 15 / 20 (Great) Spec: Low-profile, modular capability. A beautifully proportioned, modular design that brings remarkable comfort and style to any space.

Finding the right sofa is just the beginning. Let's make sure it fits perfectly into your home and your life.

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